Bac Kan, a mountainous province in northern Vietnam, has long faced challenges in agricultural productivity due to fragmented farming practices and limited market access. However, recent initiatives promoting value chain integration have revolutionized the sector, turning once-struggling farms into profitable ventures.
Potatoes: A Success Story in Na Ri District
Potatoes were traditionally grown in Na Ri District as a drought-resistant alternative to rice, but farmers lacked stable markets and technical expertise. Since 2020, cooperatives like Binh Minh have introduced contract farming, providing seeds, fertilizers, and guaranteed offtake agreements.
- 2024 data: Nearly 50 hectares of potatoes were cultivated under this model—double the previous year’s area.
- Yield improvements: Farmers report higher productivity due to better techniques and soil suitability.
- Income stability: Fixed-price contracts ensure farmers earn 30-40% more than before.
Cucumbers: High-Value Crop Replacement in Bach Thong
In Duong Phong Commune, farmers shifted from low-profit rice to four cucumber cycles per year, generating 20 million VND (~$800) per 1,000 m² per harvest—far exceeding rice earnings.
- Cooperative support: Training on hybrid seeds, pest control, and irrigation boosted yields.
- Market linkages: Cooperatives handle bulk sales to supermarkets and processors, reducing reliance on local markets.
Government & Cooperative-Driven Growth
Bac Kan’s success stems from strategic investments:
- 2024 funding: Over 16 billion VND for 32 production-linked projects under national poverty reduction programs.
- Total provincial investment (2022–2024): 120 billion VND (~$4.8 million) across 110 projects, benefiting 4,400 households.
Notable sustainable models include:
- Ha Anh Cooperative (Bach Thong): Pork value chain.
- Thien An Cooperative (Bach Thong): Medicinal herbs.
- Ngoc Thang Company (Cho Don): Shan Tuyet tea exports.
- Conclusion: A Blueprint for Rural Development
Bac Kan’s shift from subsistence farming to value chain-integrated agriculture demonstrates how cooperatives, government policies, and market access can drive rural prosperity. Key takeaways:
- Contract farming stabilizes incomes by securing buyers upfront.
- Training and inputs raise productivity and crop quality.
- Diversification (e.g., cucumbers, herbs) maximizes land use.
For farmers and agronomists worldwide, Bac Kan’s model offers actionable insights into scaling sustainable agriculture in challenging terrains.
